Are you surprised...... i mean really

While last night was a massive success for Essien, it has to be countered by the defeat against Tottenham. Essien played in that game and he was garbage.

I'd still have Mikel in the defensive midfield role. IMO he's still much more suited to that role than Essien is and Essien would play in central midfield. Last nights game he was given the specific role of keeping Gerrard out of the game and he did it well, but we aren't playing Gerrard every week and Essien is better suited further up the field.

I'd rather Essien than Ballack playing in that 'middle of the park' role.

Lampard plays a little further forward, Mikel a little deeper and Essien the engine room with his typical box-to-box style.

Shakhtar have beaten Mille 2 - 0 in the early UEFA game.

They have a player called Gay (schoolboy chortle).

Totally agree, I personally think Ballack and Lampard struggle together.

I would too, and I know that in commentary, Gray was having digs at Ballack, but his ball for Malouda in the build up to the third goal was sublime. Ballack finished the end of last season strongly, lets hope he does so again this year.

Mikel isn't the answer though, he may have improved but his recklessness in the challenge and lack of seeing a pass mean he's still a poor mans Makelele.

Away goal for Citeh! Unfortunately it looks like Hamburg might get 10.



Busy night for Given in prospect.

IMO Mikel is very harshly treated by refs. If there's the slightest chance of a booking or red card then he usually gets them. Makelele was another master of the "Scholes smile" where he could commit just the same fouls but he'd get up with his huge grin, have a laugh with the ref and walk away with a warning.

And let's not forget that Mikel is only 22 years old later this month. Maka was 31 years old when he came to us and had played for Real Madrid before joining us.

Two sublime goals by Diego for Werder Bremen.

How come Shakhtar, from Ukraine, have about 8 Brazilians on their team?

Oh yeah, sure. He has improved, but he won't be good enough I don't think. To be a good defensive midfielder, you almost need to go unnoticed, he doesn't really do that. He's rash in the tackle, his distribution is poor, and he doesn't appear to read the game well. I think he's a fantastic athlete, and he gets about the pitch etc. You do look at him at times, and think he could be the real deal. I just fear that he isn't clever enough for that position, I know Makelele is always the yardstick, but he saw the game so well, wasn't blessed with pace, or physique, but to use the old "First yard in your head" cliche, it was how he played. Mikel just doesn't appear to have that football brain, but we'll see I guess.

Hiddink is frightening me a tad, publicly chasing Pavlychenko. Jeepers.

Welcome to the[i sky footy [/ifan Keith and its getting worse its getting to the point were I can see myself fukking going the game off in the near future the aways are just as bad now aswell whoppers everywhere.

Why do you keep calling people burgers?